“A person that I really admired was my father,” said Newton. “I liked the way he dressed. By him being a preacher, he had to bring that A-game every single Sunday. So I really look up to him when it comes to style and fashion.”

Apparently Cecil Newton taught his son well, and Cam's flair for fashion was not lost on Belk. The Charlotte-based retailer partnered with him to launch MADE, a clothing line featuring sport and professional apparel for men which is now available at Belk stores in the area.

“Professional sports play an increasingly important role in fashion,” said Kathryn Bufano, president and merchandising officer for Belk. “As a fashion retailer, Belk is excited to be at the forefront of the trend through this brand. Cam Newton personifies our company’s dedication to family, community and the Southern lifestyle, and therefore is a perfect complement to Belk’s modern Southern fashions.”

Newton said Belk did a great job of putting his “swag” on the clothing line, and he wears a MADE suit every chance he gets.

“I wanted this brand to be different,” he said. “I wanted it to have the things that I really wear and the color schemes that I like.”

Whether he’s attending a banquet or answering questions in a post-game interview, Newton said he makes it a point to always be well-dressed because the first thing people notice is what you’re wearing.

“Even as a young kid I always tried to look my best,” he said. “My parents would always speak volumes of first impressions being lasting impressions. And if you look good, you feel good and everything else will be good.”

When it comes to men’s fashion, Newton said it’s all about individual style, comfort and willingness to take risks, particularly when it comes to color.

“If you go out on a limb and want to wear some sky blue pants – if it feels good to you, that’s you,” he said. “Don’t let anybody else affect how you want to swag your particular outfit.”

Newton, who recently enrolled as a student at Auburn University to complete his undergraduate studies, said that although launching MADE has been very “time-consuming” he is determined to keep his focus on playing ball and becoming a better teammate.

“I think I need to focus on how I can get better and focus on the small things in my game that can make a big impact,” he said. “So going into this season starting off fresh, and just evaluating how I can become better and asking the hard questions to coaches and becoming a better listener to a degree. Everybody has a stubborn side, but for me, I’m trying to make myself better so I can impact my teammates.”